Updated
Updated · A Lawyer Writes · May 5
GRETA urges UK to improve trafficking victim support and non-punishment protections
Updated
Updated · A Lawyer Writes · May 5

GRETA urges UK to improve trafficking victim support and non-punishment protections

2 articles · Updated · A Lawyer Writes · May 5
  • The Council of Europe body said victims in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland were still being prosecuted, denied Modern Slavery Act defences or lacking legal aid and compensation access.
  • Its report highlighted concerns over compelled offending, including possible administrative penalties such as loss of nationality, while saying child victims should not face a "reasonable person" test.
  • GRETA said the UK had made progress since earlier inspections, but called for more training for police, prosecutors, judges and lawyers; the report followed December 2024 fieldwork and UK comments added in February 2026.
With victim numbers soaring, why does the UK continue to prosecute trafficked individuals for forced crimes?
As new laws demand corporate transparency, is modern slavery being eliminated from UK supply chains?
With traffickers now using AI, how can Britain's anti-slavery strategy adapt to this digital threat?